Commission for Air Quality Management

 Commission for Air Quality Management:

• Origin:Established under the CAQM Act, 2021 for NCR and adjoining areas, replacing the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA).
• Aim:Coordinate and oversee efforts to improve air quality, prevent and control air pollution in Delhi-NCR and surrounding states (Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh).
• Jurisdiction:Delhi-NCR, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
• Powers:
  • Restrict activities impacting air quality.
  • Conduct research on pollution.
  • Issue binding directions to authorities and individuals.
  • Enforce compliance and take preventive actions.
• Composition:
  • Chairperson: Secretary/Chief Secretary rank official.
  • Five ex officio members from Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and UP.
  • Three full-time technical members.
  • Members from NGOs and technical bodies like CPCB, ISRO, and NITI Aayog.

Revised Fines for Stubble Burning:

• Farmers with less than two acres: Increased fine from ₹2,500 to ₹5,000 per incident.
• Farmers with between two and five acres: Fine doubled from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000.
• Farmers with more than five acres: Fine raised from ₹15,000 to ₹30,000.
• Implementation: Nodal officers in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and NCR regions of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh are authorized to enforce and collect these fines as environmental compensation.